Trail Trials Rules and Guidelines TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Title 1 INTRODUCTION 2 GENERAL RULES 3 OBSTACLE RULES 4 HOW TO ORGANIZE A TRAIL TRIALS 5 A WORD FROM THE MANAGEMENT Section 1 INTRODUCTION Trail Trials have become a popular event in many areas. They are not new, just getting more well-known. They consist of a trail ride, usually averaging between two and three hours, with trail obstacles along the way. Bear in mind that the later you start your competition, the longer your ride can be due to possible waits at some obstacles. Obstacles are natural, or simulate naturally occurring conditions (including urban) for the horse and rider to negotiate. However, emphasis should be placed on having natural obstacles. There are usually 8-12 obstacles to test the rider's knowledge and the horse's capabilities. Trail trials are meant to be fun and enjoyable for everyone. As long as safety and common sense are kept in mind, everyone will have a good time. It is important to remember that the people doing the judging at sanctioned trail trials events are volunteers following this rule book and are doing the best they can. They are NOT paid professionals. It must be understood that these rules are guidelines subject to various interpretations by (sometimes) inexperienced judges. This rule book was started in 1987 by members of Corrals 12, 22, 35, 54 and 63 (the original Trail Trials Committee) with the thought of standardizing the rules for all contestants and to give guidelines for those wanting to put on a trail trial event. A special "Thank You" goes to those members who gave freely of their time and knowledge to help bring this about. 1 Section 2 GENERAL RULES 1. HORSE SHOW RULES, AS WELL AS HORSE SHOW OBSTACLES, ARE NOT TO BE USED IN TRAIL TRIALS. Examples: Boxes, Back Through L's, Side-pass (straddling) Over Logs, etc. 2. Safety and common sense are the number one priorities for all ETI- sanctioned trail trials. 3. Any attire normally worn for trail riding is accepted. 4. Enclosed footwear is required (no sandals or bare feet); boots are recommended. 5. Tack - A saddle, halter, lead rope, and hoof pick are required. Bridle or hackamore are required unless using a bosal. Draw reins or a halter as a bridle are not allowed. 6. It is the responsibility of the rider to have the judge’s attention before starting on any obstacle. 7. Voice cues are permitted. Aids such as crops and spurs are permitted, but excessive use may cause penalties. 8. The rider should always check the cinch before doing an obstacle (Uphill, Downhill, Mount, or Drag) that could cause the saddle to slip. It is not required at other obstacles. It may be checked on or off the horse. It is the responsibility of the rider to be sure the judge has visually (not verbally) seen the check. 9. Emphasis should be placed on the methods the rider uses in obtaining a good smooth performance. 10. No coaching will be allowed at any obstacle. A penalty will be assessed to those observed violating this rule. 11. At the judge’s discretion, a rider may be dismissed from an obstacle for excessive time or safety reasons. 12. Riders should maintain control of their horses with the reins or lead- rope during the entire event, except when the animal is tied or hobbled. 13. No foals at side or dogs are allowed on the trail, and no riding double during competition. 2 14. Stallions are not recommended, but may be approved by ride management. No one under 18 may ride a stallion. 15. A time limit and/or maximum number of refusals are highly advisable at each obstacle with NO TIME TAKEN FOR TRAINING. 16. After completing an obstacle, depending on the situation, riders may ask the judge about their score. It is recommended that the judge reply at the end of the event if there is anyone waiting to be judged at their obstacle. 17. IT IS NOT ALLOWED FOR A COMPETING HORSE AND/OR RIDER TO PARTICIPATE IN PRE-RIDING, MARKING, OR TO FOLLOW A MARKED TRAIL ROUTE BEFORE THE DAY AND TIME OF COMPETITION. 18. If a moving motorized vehicle is used as an obstacle, the rider will not be allowed to come within 6 feet of the obstacle. 19. If a question is used as an obstacle, each rider will be provided a concise, clear, informative, written handout answer in advance. We recommend when putting on a trail trials using the information in this book and registering with the Trail Trials Committee, that you state on all advertising and premiums that your trail trials is an ETI-sanctioned event. Letters of comment to the ETI Trail Trials Committee are always encouraged and will be answered. Any complaint or protest regarding an ETI-sanctioned trail trials needs to be in writing (a $15.00 fee is to accompany a protest, refundable if the protest is upheld) and mailed within 10 days of the event in question to the ETI Trail Trials Committee, P.O. Box 1138, Acton, CA 93510. The Corral or Organization involved agrees to adjust placements, if need be, pending the outcome of the protest decision by the Trail Trials Committee. A decision will be made within 30 days after receiving the protest. 3 Section 3 OBSTACLE RULES The following are the most common obstacles used. However, they are not the only ones to be considered when you are planning a trail trials. Let your imagination go. Look for things that could be used when you go riding. Different situations are always coming up. In the following rules there should be one that would apply. If not, think of safety and common sense first for your new rules. You can also contact a member of the Trail Trials Committee for assistance. Avoid any situation where the horse and/or rider could get hurt. Remember, the more challenging your course, the more interesting and fun it is for your competitors! Just keep safety and common sense as your number one priorities for all riders - beginner and experienced alike. Natural terrain should be used when available. Try not to have more than two unnatural or spooky obstacles. REMEMBER - Horse show rules, as well as horse show obstacles, are not to be used in trail trials. Examples: Boxes, back through L's, side-pass (straddling) over logs, etc. ALSO, not all obstacles require a cinch check; however, a cinch check may be required if the obstacle, or terrain in the obstacle, is likely to cause the saddle to move (Uphill, Downhill, Mount, Log Drag). Common Obstacles 1. Backup - horse should back willingly and in control with the rider being observant by checking all directions prior to and during backing. 2. Bridge - horse should walk over calmly. 3. Downhill - check cinch; saddle should stay in place; horse and rider to remain balanced; rider's legs should not contact horse's legs; horse should be on light rein contact or less; horse should walk calmly in a straight manner, except when necessary to follow trail; however, on a wide trail a traverse is okay; forward position or Cavalry style will be penalized. 4. Gate - safe and smooth while mounted; contact with gate should be maintained; judge will state if gate can be opened dismounted without penalty (as for a ranchers gate of wire & sticks); horse to remain calm. 4 5. Hoof Check - horse to stand quietly; far side not to be checked from near side with hoof tool; rider to have a hoof tool; control of horse to be maintained. 6. Lead - horse to follow willingly, not crowd or lag; rider not to coil rope around hand; it is mandatory that the horse is led by a lead rope not attached to the bit. 7. Log Drag - check cinch; horse's hindquarters should not face log before mounting (judge may hand rider rope to save time); control of horse to be maintained; rope not to be wrapped around hand or coiled; rider should not dally (wrap rope around horn) more than one full turn unless mounted (dallying is optional) - NO TYING TO SADDLE; riders may use hand pull; horse to pull evenly and quietly; unless specified, the direction of a turn shall not be penalized so long as the rope does not contact the horse below the hocks. For safety sake, a cotton rope should be used and should not be overly long. The "log" should not be excessively large or heavy. The judge should warn each competitor that if things start to get out of hand, the competitor should drop the rope. 8. Mounting - check cinch; stirrup does not need to be put over saddle; horse to stand quietly; rider to mount smoothly with reins in hand without unbalancing horse; style of mount not to be considered; rider should not be penalized for using available assistance to mount, i.e. rock, log, etc. 9. Moving Obstacles (i.e. bike, backpacker, etc.) - horse should walk quietly by; a horse’s look of interest is okay. Think safety! NO POP- UP, SPOOKY OBSTACLES! 10. Stationary Obstacles (i.e. slicker, staple gun, map, etc.) - horse to stand still and calm; control of horse should be maintained with reins in hand. 11. Step Over - horse to walk over cleanly; relative size of horse and obstacle should be considered; controlled hop with small animal may be okay. 12. Stop - horse should stop on command and stand quietly for a specified time. 13. Tack Check - horse to stand quietly; rider should have a safe way of securing horse (halter and lead line or hobbles); rider should have some type of hoof tool; equipment should be in safe repair; anything beyond this should not be considered.